Salvatore Joseph Papetti

Salvatore Joseph Papetti passed away peacefully at the age of 76 with family at his bedside on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5:30pm in Bellingham, Washington; he was a husband, father, brother, and lifelong fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Savior (Holly Fruehling); his daughter, Denise; his brother, Dominic Sr. (Karen), and his sons, Dominic Jr. (Marisa), Michael (Leslie), and Victor; his sister, Splendora Huizenga (Don), and her sons, Richard (Kim) and Tommy (Magdalena). 5th generation Papetti born in Pittsburg, California on October 15, 1948 the son of Savior and Marie Papetti. Sal spent his early years in Collinsville, California. Collinsville always held a special place in his heart, a reminder of his roots and the simple joys of living off the land and water. He would speak fondly of growing up in a historic village where his family had a garden, raised chickens, sheep, pigs, rabbits, hunted pheasants and fished alongside his father and brother. In 1963, his family moved to Bellingham, Washington, where he would grow and build a life as a fisherman. Sal graduated from Bellingham High School in 1967, where he quickly became known for his charm, fast cars, and sense of style. Sal attended trade school to become a diesel mechanic, a skill that served him well throughout his life, both in fishing and working on his beloved cars and pleasure boats. Whether it was maintaining his own vehicles or keeping his fishing boats running smoothly, he had a knack for understanding engines and the mechanics of the machines that powered his passions. Married Nancy on August 28, 1971 at Assumption Catholic Church and had two children, Savior and Denise. Bellingham was home. Nancy was his rock and pillar throughout the marriage. She supported Sal in sickness and in health and all the shenanigans inbetween. Never a dull moment as she worked tirelessly fishing side by side, stripping miles of nets and filling countless fishing needles. Always supporting Sal no matter what, she was a devoted wife and put him first. Having salt water was in his blood, Sal naturally followed in the footsteps of his ancestors and spent his life on the water as a commercial fisherman. He was happiest when fishing and he embraced the challenges and rewards of a life at sea. He built and owned multiple F/V throughout his career. First year fishing was in 1963 in Bristol Bay Alaska with his father at age 14, soon becoming a young captain of his first boat F/V Night Train. Sal will always be remembered as ‘Sandbar Sal’ of F/V Flying Lady and F/V Pac-Man. Majority of his life was spent on the water in fisheries that took him to San Francisco, California for herring and Dungeness crab. Alaska included Naknek for Bristol Bay sockeye; herring in Petersburg, Ketchikan, Norton Sound, Security Cove, and Togiac. Washington Puget Sound included dungeness crab, sockeye, chums, silvers and king salmon. Often his wife Nancy and children Savior and Denise would be crew/deckhands. His son Savior became a successful fisherman at a young age just like the generations before him. Sal loved escaping to Maui Hawaii, where he often vacationed with wife Nancy, they both enjoyed the warm sun and sandy beaches. Often you could find him on Eliza Island, a place where he could truly unwind and enjoy the solitude of nature. Known to bullshit and talk on the radio or phone for hours at a time. He enjoyed swimming in his fish shaped pool, hunting for ducks and geese, sport fishing in King Salmon Alaska, growing potatoes and onions on Eliza, catching prawns, digging for clams or throwing a pot out for dungeness crab. His Italian red sauce and clam spaghetti was a favorite of many. His knowledge of fishing often led to collaboration with the Fish and Game biologists in both Alaska and California to help keep the fisheries alive and healthy. Through all of life’s adventures, Sal was fortunate to have a best friend by his side, Gene Potocnik. The two shared countless memories, laughter, and experiences that made life richer. Their friendship was built on years of camaraderie, a love for fishing, and an unbreakable bond. Sal will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of salt water, and relationships he had with his family and friends. He lived life with passion—whether it was on the water, behind the wheel of a fast car or boat, relaxing in the tropics, or on Eliza Island. May he rest in peace.